HealthFlex Participants Reportedly NOT AFFECTED by Blue Cross Blue Shield Hack Attack
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Anthem, Inc., the largest of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, disclosed that its databases that store employee and customer data had been breached by hackers causing concern for anyone who is insured by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. According to Shawn-Marie Riley, benefits administrator for the Central Texas Conference UMC, participants in the Central Texas Conference HealthFlex plan were not affected. “We heard from GBOPHB [General Board of Pension and Health Benefits] after the hack was discovered and it doesn’t appear to have affected us,” relayed Shawn-Marie.
In its message to benefits administrators, GBOPHB said that while there is no indication that any HealthFlex participants’ data are at risk, those enrolled in the HealthFlex plan should still pay close attention to their accounts. “We are in close communication with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to continue to assess whether there is a risk to our participants’ data. However, we to encourage participants to keep a close eye on their accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is not under Anthem. Instead it is insured by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). The Anthem brands that were affected include Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Amerigroup. BCBSIL has reported that though there is no evidence that any of its customers were affected, the company continues to work with Anthem to determine whether its customers or employees were affected. If it is discovered that BCBSIL members were impacted, they will be notified directly by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Those enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield who have questions should call the number listed on their insurance cards.
It is not yet clear how many records were exposed in this hack attack. While the investigation is still ongoing, at this time, Anthem is reporting that no medical records were accessed in the breach, but personal information was accessed, including Social Security Numbers. Anthem has engaged the FBI and is in the process of conducting a detailed forensic investigation into the breach.
Anthem has established a special website to address questions about this incident, including a detailed FAQ. If you have any additional questions, please contact Anthem, BCBSIL or the CTC Conference/Plan Sponsor Liaison.
Anthem has established a special website to address questions about this incident, including a detailed FAQ. If you have any additional questions, please contact Anthem, BCBSIL or the CTC Conference/Plan Sponsor Liaison.